Tryouts

League of Legends

The League of Legends team is a Varsity title at Boise State and players are eligible to receive scholarships. The team (10-16 players) are selected from current and incoming Boise State students.

Summer scholarship tryouts will be held in person/online August 13th, 14th, from Noon-4 PM MT. Sign up here!

Existing varsity players will also participate in the tryouts.

1. Competitive play between candidates with observation from directors, coaches, and analysts.
2. Teaching, demonstration, and knowledge assessment.
3. Competitive scrims with teams inside and outside of Boise State University

Players will likely play for several hours at a time in the same groupings while receiving coaching and instruction between rounds, maps, and games. Players will play their primary role. Groups will be switched and/or players substituted. Please do not audition with a preset squad in mind. Flexibility is key.

Requirements

Availability for the varsity teams in Overwatch is Monday and Wednesday (and occasionally as scheduled Friday) from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM and League of Legends and Rocket League Tuesday and Thursday (and occasionally as scheduled Friday) from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Night scrims will be scheduled around team availability but will likely be Tuesday or Wednesday during a 2-hour block.  Some travel may also change the schedule.

Players must be enrolled full time at the university to play on varsity esports teams. They do not need to be enrolled full time during auditions.

They must maintain a 2.5 GPA to be eligible to participate in matches or scrims and must abide by the code of conduct.

Team Benefits include:

• Recognition as official varsity team of the university
• Open access to Battleground training center
• Broadcasts, highlights, features, press
• Scheduled season / arranged scrims
• Coaching by pros
• Gear / Jerseys
• Potential for travel
• Potential for scholarships/financial aid opportunities

Requirements include…

• Maintain grades and academic performance
• Maintain competitive preparation and readiness
• Attendance at team practices and selected matches
• Uphold the “Bronco Code”, Student-athlete conduct agreement
• Maintain guidelines outlined in Boise State eSports student-athlete handbook

Overwatch

The Overwatch team is a Varsity title at Boise State and players are eligible to receive scholarships. The team (10-16 players) are selected from current and incoming Boise State students.  Top recruits should expect to be ranked 3800SR and above, although opportunities will be available for some players to develop as roles are needed.

Summer scholarship tryouts will be held online Summer scholarship tryouts will be held in person/online August 13th, 14th, from 5 PM to 8PM MT. Sign up here!

Existing varsity players will also participate in the tryouts.

1. Competitive play between candidates with observation from directors, coaches, and analysts.
2. Teaching, demonstration, and knowledge assessment.
3. Competitive scrims with teams inside and outside of Boise State University

Players will likely play for several hours at a time in the same groupings while receiving coaching and instruction between rounds, maps, and games. Players will play their primary role. Groups will be switched and/or players substituted. Please do not audition with a preset squad in mind. Flexibility is key.

Requirements

Availability for the varsity teams in Overwatch and Hearthstone is Monday and Wednesday (and occasionally as scheduled Friday) from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM and League of Legends, Rocket League, and Heroes of the Storm Tuesday and Thursday (and occasionally as scheduled Friday) from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Night scrims will be scheduled around team availability but will likely be Tuesday or Wednesday during a 2-hour block.  Some travel may also change the schedule.

Players must be enrolled full time at the university to play on varsity esports teams. They do not need to be enrolled full time during auditions.

They must maintain a 2.5 GPA to be eligible to participate in matches or scrims and must abide by the code of conduct.

Team Benefits include:

• Recognition as official varsity team of the university
• Open access to Battleground training center
• Broadcasts, highlights, features, press
• Scheduled season / arranged scrims
• Coaching by pros
• Gear / Jerseys
• Potential for travel
• Potential for scholarships/financial aid opportunities

Requirements include…

• Maintain grades and academic performance
• Attendance at team practices and selected matches
• Uphold the “Bronco Code”, Student-athlete conduct agreement
• Maintain guidelines outlined in Boise State eSports student-athlete handbook

Rocket League

The Rocket League team is a Varsity title at Boise State and players are eligible to receive scholarships. The team (10-16 players) are selected from current and incoming Boise State students.  Top recruits should expect to be ranked Champ 3 / Grand Champion 1300 MMR and above, although opportunities will be available for some players to develop as roles are needed.

Summer scholarship tryouts will be held in person/online August 16th, Noon-4 PM MT  Sign up here!

Existing varsity players will also participate in the tryouts.

1. Competitive play between candidates with observation from directors, coaches, and analysts.
2. Teaching, demonstration, and knowledge assessment.
3. Competitive scrims with teams inside and outside of Boise State University

Players will likely play for several hours at a time in the same groupings while receiving coaching and instruction between rounds, maps, and games. Players will play their primary role. Groups will be switched and/or players substituted. Please do not audition with a preset squad in mind. Flexibility is key.

Requirements

Availability for the varsity teams in Overwatch and Hearthstone is Monday and Wednesday (and occasionally as scheduled Friday) from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM and League of Legends, Rocket League, and Heroes of the Storm Tuesday and Thursday (and occasionally as scheduled Friday) from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Night scrims will be scheduled around team availability but will likely be Tuesday or Wednesday during a 2-hour block.  Some travel may also change the schedule.

Players must be enrolled full time at the university to play on varsity esports teams. They do not need to be enrolled full time during auditions.

They must maintain a 2.5 GPA to be eligible to participate in matches or scrims and must abide by the code of conduct.

Team Benefits include:

• Recognition as official varsity team of the university
• Open access to Battleground training center
• Broadcasts, highlights, features, press
• Scheduled season / arranged scrims
• Coaching by pros
• Gear / Jerseys
• Potential for travel
• Potential for scholarships/financial aid opportunities

Requirements include…

• Maintain grades and academic performance
• Attendance at team practices and selected matches
• Uphold the “Bronco Code”, Student-athlete conduct agreement
• Maintain guidelines outlined in Boise State eSports student-athlete handbook

Valorant

Valorant tryouts will take place August 10th-12th. Those interested in playing for the official BSU “supported” team should fill out the tryout form and plan on attending.  If the dates have passed, fill out the tryout form and contact maggieborland@u.boisestate.edu.

General Info:

• What is a “supported” game? “Supported” games are the step between Varsity and club teams. The University will not pay for coaching or scholarships. However students will be given jerseys, battleground access, and broadcast time.

• Will Valorant become a Varsity game at any point? Not in the Fall 2020 semester. After that, the short answer is, it depends. It could, it could not, we don’t have any for sure answers.

• Are scholarships available? The University will not be giving out scholarships for Valorant players for the 2020-2021 academic year. However, the leagues we will be competing in do offer players a chance to compete for various scholarships.
• What will being on the team mean? The team will consist of 5-7 players who will scrim and compete together in the official NACE and Conference One leagues. The Valorant team will be held to the same quality standards as official varsity recognized teams at BSU. A consistent practice schedule will be made once the roster has been selected.
• Will there be a rank cutoff to try out? Yes, but we don’t know exactly what it will be yet.
• Will tryouts/practice be in person or online? The current plan is to be fully online for the Fall semester.
• Who do I message if I have questions? Please message Maggie or BLUE on discord if you have any questions. (maggieborland@u.boisestate.edu)

What to do Next:

For those interested in trying out, make sure to fill out this form by August 2nd. Once the rank cut off has been determined, emails will be sent out on August 3rd explaining tryout format and to figure out the day/time(s) that work best for qualifying players.

If you do not currently meet the rank cut off, keep grinding out the game! There will be tryouts for the Spring semester as well. The Bronco Tournament Gaming club here also consistently puts together opportunities to play and compete.

Supported Games

“Supported” titles are student-led and organized. Esports gives players on supported teams practice and competition time in the Battleground, official status for featured NACE and collegiate tournaments and leagues, and opportunities for broadcast and play in the arena.  No scholarships or coaching are available for supported games.

Valorant A 5v5 tac-shooter matchup to plant or defuse the Spike in a one-life-per-round, first to 13 series.

R6:Siege: Our student-run R6 squad was one of the best in the nation last year.

Hearthstone: Boise State’s team was a finalist in the 2018 College Hearthstone National Championship.

Fortnite/Apex/CoD:MW These Battle Royale games have NACE and TESPA tournament opportunities and selected players can participate in these games.

Evaluation

Boise State eSports will be holding auditions for varsity esports teams twice a year. All current varsity members will be expected to participate in tryouts if they plan to continue. The dates and times are listed below and are conducted online. Exceptions may be made for students home for the break, but webcam and Discord participation are required.

Boise State eSports is looking for students who excel in a team environment, are eager for coaching and feedback, and want to contribute to Boise State as a leader in eSports.

Players communication, gameplay, and replays will be evaluated by coaches, faculty, and analysts during and after to find the best composition for a competitive season. Evaluation and rubric scores will not be public or shared. Some details may be shared individually with the player individually for personal improvement.

Selected players will be announced as soon as possible to assist in the class schedule. Players will then sign the team agreement outlining expectations for participation.

Official Esports Teams: Broncos

The Boise State Broncos Esports compete in the National Associations of Collegiate Esports, the UCEA, TESPA, CLoL, Mountain West Conference and has a reputation of excellence. The program has garnered a National Esports Coach of the Year Award (NAECAD), a Director of the Year (NACE), Broadcast Team of the Year (NACE), Overwatch Coach of the Year (NACE) 3 All-Star Team invitees, and 10 Academic All-Americans is only one reason for this high standard. Our student-athletes have graduated and to be hired into the profession as  coaches and directors in their sport. In addition to this, the Broncos boast 3 Mountain West Championships.  For prospective student-athletes who are looking for a place not only to shine, but to improve themselves and learn the true meaning of hard work and its rewards, the Broncos is the place to start.

Guide to Esports Scholarships for Boise State University

Boise State University offers scholarships and awards for students who demonstrate excellence and financial need. To be considered for scholarships at Boise State University, one must:

• Be a full-time student.
• Maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA.
• Be in good standing with the game publisher.

Esports scholarships, made possible by the Boise State Esports, vary in value, are renewed annually based on eligibility, and are applied for through the Esports department. In addition to the esports scholarships, students may also apply for scholarships directly from their academic department. Student-athletes at Boise State have the highest cumulative grade point average on record for all the departments in the United States at an average standing of 3.0, making many eligible for Boise State scholarships. Scholarships are available for both students who are Idaho residents as well as students from out-of-state.

Scholarships and awards are limited with their purpose to make it possible for talented individuals to become Broncos and to support some students in their academic pursuits.